Central Division Breakout Candidates

Alright, since I’m way behind on all of the predictions I wanted to make, I’m going to get through these last two divisions rather quickly. You just have to trust that three games of the regular season didn’t change my opinion on anything:

Columbus Blue Jackets – Jakub Voracek – plays at both ends of the ice and will eventually get a shot alongside Nash.Chicago Blackhawks – Corey Crawford – intended split is probably 30/70 between him and Turco. Will go as high as 45/55 because of Turco’s inconsistency.Detroit Red Wings – Valtteri Filppula – if healthy, will see a full season in the top six of a very strong team. Points per game has increased every year.Nashville Predators – Pekka Rinne – first year as solidified starter will see 40 wins. Nashville’s team first system helps tremendously.St. Louis Blues – David Perron – there are about four options for this in St. Louis, but Perron takes the biggest step. Better scorer than most think.